Protective action of curcumin and vitamin e against the imbalance of electrolytes calcium, sodium and potassium in galactose-induced cataract.

ABSTRACT

Cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye leading to opacity. In this study we investigated the efficiency of curcumin and Vitamin E to regulate the altered levels of Ca+2, Na+ and K+ ions in cataract induced rat lens. Also specific activity of aldose reductase and the total and soluble lenticular protein levels in the lens were compared in treated as well as control groups of rats. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc test multiple comparisons and Karl Pearson’s correlation. Feeding of rats with Curcumin and Vitamin E had resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations and an increase (p<0.05) in K+ concentration which is otherwise found to be raised in cataractous condition. Also, a decrease in the specific activity of Aldose Reductase was found along with the conservation of total and soluble lenticular protein levels in lens treated with Curcumin and Vitamin E compared to cataract induced lens.